STEWART PATERSON

Political Correspondent

More people in Glasgow have enrolled in the workplace pension scheme than anywhere else in Scotland.

Official figures show that in the city since the pensions were introduced in 2012, a total of 87,000 workers have signed up.

The scheme sees workers pay in and the employer and then the Government though tax relief.

Glasgow has more than Edinburgh which has signed up 63,000 and Aberdeen with 48,000

The scheme involved the employer contributing from their monthly salary, the employer also putting in a set amount and tax relief is given to increase the amount invested is increased.

Minister for Pensions, Guy Opperman said more people in Glasgow and Scotland are now contributing to save for their retirement.

He said that people need to think about the future as well the here and now when deciding how to spend their pay.

The Minister said: “You might have plans to go travelling, do home improvements, or spend more time with your loved ones.

“But with us living longer than ever before, it’s essential that people start saving as soon as possible. You cannot ignore the need to ensure your money lasts through the remainder of your lifetime.”

He praised the workers and firms who had been actively encouraging participation in the scheme.

He added: “It’s clear that automatic enrolment has created a new British savings culture, with more and more people now able to look forward to a more financially secure retirement through their private workplace pension.

“This is in no small part down to the approach of businesses and employees across Scotland. Last week the Government announced that 549,000 people have been enrolled into a workplace pension in Scotland, and 9 million across the UK, since 2012.”

He said that while the scheme was considered a success it has to go further and be taken up by many more people.

Mr Opperman said: “It is time we take this life-changing policy further and ensure it is reflective of modern working lives.£

“The UK Government has published a Review of Automatic Enrolment this week and plans to enable up to 900,000 18 to 21 year-olds, to save into a workplace pension for the first time., estimated to bring an extra £800 million in pension savings.

He added: “We are also launching trials to support the 4.8m self-employed to build a more secure retirement; and ensure that people can start saving from the first pound they earn – good news for people with multiple jobs, particularly women.”